Tournament organisers and local gaming communities around the world can now apply to host official qualifying events for the Esports World Cup 2027 under a new partnership scheme announced by the Esports World Cup Foundation. The 2027 EWC Qualifier Program sits within the Road to EWC pathway.

Road to EWC, which links publisher-run leagues, international tournaments and regional qualifiers under a single global event, aims to reach 1.8 million players through more than 400 tournaments in 2027. Faisal Bin Homran of the foundation said bringing in more tournaments and communities would give players more chances to compete in their home markets and give local esports ecosystems "an official role" in shaping the path to the Esports World Cup.

The programme has two routes run with partners. EWC Direct Qualifiers connect established tournaments to Road to EWC: organisers keep running and funding their events under their own brands, keep local commercial opportunities and follow EWC and publisher standards. EWC Satellite Last Chance Qualifiers target grassroots play, allowing local organisers, federations, associations, gaming cafes, universities, esports venues and gaming festivals to hold approved tournaments under their own identity with marketing support from the foundation.

Satellite winners go straight into the Last Chance Qualifiers next summer, which offer places at the Esports World Cup, and receive accommodation and visa support. The first games covered are Chess, Counter-Strike 2, FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves and Street Fighter 6, with more to follow. All events must meet publisher and EWC rules on rulesets, anti-cheat, officiating and result verification.

Last Chance routes have already produced a champion: João "jafonsogv" Vasconcelos came through the EA SPORTS FC qualifier and won the title in 2024, inspiring the Jafonso Award. Applications are open until December 20, 2026, and approved events must finish by June 1, 2027.